Finishing Touches

Remember the progress we'd made on the house we've been working on? (See my previous post with before & during pictures.) Well, we've been working on the finishing touches! I thought you might enjoy seeing the finished results.

Here's the open concept view so you can see the breakfast bar:

And the pantry side of the kitchen with fridge & work desk:

And the wall side: stove, microwave, dishwasher...
Everything is brand new from the ceramic floors to the lighting.
The cabinets are Hickory.

And then looking back over the breakfast bar to the back of the house:

What do you think?

The Other Guy's Shoes

Recently, a friend expressed the hurt of her day by asking why "Christians" feel they have the right to judge.

I don't know why that is. I know and understand the hurt of it. I've been on the receiving end of those judging attitudes. It leaves you feeling alone, unloved, misunderstood, and deeply wounded. ..... Unfortunately, I also know the critical spirit that inflicts a person with the "judging" syndrome. I've done it too and I am sorry for it. ... deeply remorseful.

The fact is, we often don't truly know what another person is going thru in life. We don't stop to consider a walk in another man's shoes. We might gain a whole new perspective and more importantly, a whole new capacity to love one another. My good man often reminds me, "you never know who might just be fighting to get out of the bed in the morning". So TRUE!

Have we forgotten how much grace was extended to us when Jesus put Himself in our place and served the sentence we owed for the things we've done wrong? None of us deserve it. Yet, HE loves ALL of us. Loves us beyond what can be truly comprehended. (I can think of some really unlovable characters! Yet He stood in their place too- wow! I have a hard time wrapping my brain around that!)

And I should be concerned about the day *I* stand before God, the ONE True Judge. And each should be concerned with their own turn before HIM.

As Christians, should we not be consumed with knowing The Lord, Jesus? And as a result, we should be fully motivated to LOVE each other, understanding how desperately we all need HIM.

And leave it to God to say it perfectly... (hehehe)
"No, O people, the LORD has already told you what is good, and this is what he requires: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God." (Micah 6:8)

• Do what is right
• Love mercy
• Walk humbly with God

I need that in indelible ink on my heart.

I venture to say that when we're NOT doing those things, we will fall into the hurtful behavior of judging.

There's enough criticism, divisiveness and hurt going around these days. What that epidemic needs is a shot of "Just-Humble-Mercy".

This song makes the medicine go down for me. ;0) (often I cry, but it's always good for me)

Ten Years!

Ten years ago today, She-with-once-skinned-knees (also fondly known as, The Suit), insisted on exiting the womb 4 weeks ahead of schedule.

Life was waiting folks!
She was not to be deterred!
She had a LOT of living to do!

Today marks 10 years of her wonderful determination, courage and brains!

Today marks 10 years of sensitive compassion, quiet thoughtfulness and sweet affection.

You bring so much joy to our life!
We're so proud of the person you are
and we love you so very much!
Happy Birthday Sweetheart!